During a series of “five-on-five” questions about the Southwest, the group analyzed whether the Spurs would be able to win 55 games next season.

Here are some of their responses:

Over/Under: 55 wins for the Spurs next season.

Rob Peterson, Hardwood Paroxysm: “Under. Though, every time I think the Spurs will slide, they prove me wrong. Last season, they proved everyone wrong. I don’t think they have another 55-win campaign in them. No one manages his players’ minutes as well as Gregg Popovich, but not even he can make Tim Duncan or Manu Ginobili young again. They’ve had their time.”

Chris Palmer, ESPN The Magazine: “Under. I think it’s officially over in San Antonio. The way they got bounced in the first round by Memphis was demoralizing. Age, injuries and now apathy will finally do them in. They may creep to 50 wins but I’m seeing another first-round exit in their very near future, too.”

Andrew McNeil, 48 Minutes of Hell: “Tough call, I’m going to say under. A lot of things went right for the Spurs last season up until the latter stages of the regular season, and then a lot of things went wrong. The type of players the Spurs want to bring in won’t help them win games in the regular season.”

Graydon Gordian, 48 Minutes of Hell: “Push. Fifty-five wins sounds about right for a team that, although no longer a contender, will still be formidable. With the Spurs locked into a few big contracts that no one else will want, they have no choice but to make one more title push. They’ll fall short of their goals, but along the way they’ll manage to win 55.”

Justin DeFeo, Nets Are Scorching: “Under. That slam you heard? That was the sound of the Spurs’ title window closing. With the core of Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker getting older by the day, the Spurs are at the tail end of a dynasty.”

What about it Spurs Nation? Do you agree with this rationale?

I lean closest to what my old blog brother Andrew McNeil states. Namely, the Spurs will break in some new players during the regular season and that assimilation won’t necessarily translate to a better record. With Kawhi Leonard, Cory Joseph, Tiago Splitter, James Anderson and Gary Neal improving, the Spurs might be better prepared for success in the playoffs — even if their regular-season record doesn’t necessarily indicate it.